tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83834742756808455472018-12-27T04:49:14.777-05:00The Real Pit Bull BlogTHE RPB Blog is the official blog of The Real Pit Bull, Inc. of NJ. Hot topics, breed news, RPB announcements, updates, fun, silliness, seriousness and more - all related to Pit Bulls!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-91869271924336751212016-07-29T10:55:00.000-04:002018-12-26T17:09:28.259-05:00The "pit bull" term: clarity of purpose and language use.Several years ago we wrote a post called "Ok so what the heck is a 'pit bull'?" (See top of sidebar, over on the right). The information in the post is still accurate and important with some further clarification needed. Instead of editing the old post, we've decided to do a NEW post as a part-two of sorts. Read the first blog to get a more "historical" look at things. <P>Pit Bulls have become pop culture-mainstream, and this popularity and new status of "popular, everyday dog" brings with it its own set of challenges. We of the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) contingency who have been around 20+ years have been forced to debunk a NEW collection of myths and clarify - again - use of language surrounding these dogs. There's such discordance and lack of continuity in Pit Bull rescue, education and advocacy circles that jumping from one website to the next can reveal such radically different ways of defining common terms and ways of doing things that it can make the landscape extremely difficult to navigate. But part of the problem lies with the fact that there is no single definition of the term Pit Bull and in fact, most people who label themselves as Pit Bull educators or advocates are actually not talking about American Pit Bull Terriers at all. In fact, as it turns out, all they are talking about is a dog that looks a certain way, not a breed. <P>Semantic change is the evolution of words, and it <a href="http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~kemmer/Words04/meaning/#sem">"...describes the gradual shift in the(ir) conventional meaning..., as people use them in new types of contexts and these usages become normal. Often in the course of semantic change, a word shifts its meaning to the point that the modern meaning is radically different from the original usage."</a> A perfect example of semantic change is use of the term Pit Bull - now commonly written as "pit bull" or "pit bull type dog". <P>"Pit Bull" used to mean something very specific - since the 1800's it has been used to describe dogs used in the fighting pit, or dogs of the same breed or type as those used in the fighting pit, namely the then-newly emerging bull-and-terrier crosses, which would become the APBT. The American Pit Bull Terrier as a breed, once established, was nicknamed Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier, or Pit Bulldog. In what was once the fringe world of APBT culture, when you spoke of Pit Bulls, we all knew what you were talking about. <P>When the average person - or even someone working in advocacy - wants to get into a conversation about something they are calling Pit Bulls these days, usually we have no immediate idea what exactly that person is talking about. As a default, we now assume they are NOT talking about the American Pit Bull Terrier, but something that is often actually very different, and in reality can be almost any kind of short haired, stocky, blocky breed or mix. Because the nickname Pit Bull, which used to be reserved for the APBT, has now become "pit bull" (yes, include the quotation marks) and in common, everyday usage, simply means "A dog that has certain physical traits that are often attributed to the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any number of breeds or mixes, and that may be discriminated against because of those traits". Those physical traits? Such amorphous terms as "blocky", "short-haired", "broad skull", "cropped ears", etc. These physical characteristics could quite obviously be applied to a huge number of breeds as well as cross-breeds and dogs of completely mixed heritage. A large, probably majority, portion of the "pit bull" community aren't talking about a breed at all, not even a type (as in, "terrier", or "bull breed"). They are talking about dogs that possess a physical trait or traits that really are only in the eye of the beholder. And therefore, lots of dogs called "pit bulls" these days may not even be PART APBT/AmStaff or SBT, let alone purebreds. <p>A very important point to consider is that when advocates are talking about "pit bulls", they are labeling dogs based ONLY on appearance. There is no correlation in behavior in this amorphous group. There is no history to recite because these dogs are grouped together based ONLY on looks, no other connecting factors. When "pit bull" advocates start ascribing certain, what they deem positive, traits on this group of dogs that are not historically or genetically related, they are misapplying those traits. History that is talked about and connected to this group of dogs called "pit bulls" is fallacious due to the fact that "pit bull" advocates are actually talking about unrelated dogs of various breeds and mixes which may or may not even be part purebred. How can you ascribe behavioral traits or historical facts to a bunch of dogs that are not even able to necessarily be categorized as a breed or breeds? It's pure fiction and speculation on the part of most of these "pit bull" advocates, many of whom have never laid hands on an actual American Pit Bull Terrier. We are STRONGLY opposed to "pit bull" advocates using any specific, congruent language to describe the behavior or history of this random grouping of dogs and insist that historical facts connected to the American Pit Bull Terrier not be used when talking about this grouping. It is nothing short of appropriation to take the well documented history of the APBT breed and use it when talking about random short haired stocky or blocky dogs. <P>When bringing up "pit bulls", the net is cast so wide as to make it impossible to try and talk specifically about ANY of the dogs that get caught up in it. You can't really say they are "nice" dogs, or "good with children", or "get along well with other animals" or even have their own history because one "pit bull" might be a Lab mix, while another "pit bull" may be Boxer, Great Dane, Boerboel, short haired, blocky mix/pure/whathaveyou and you really cannot create a narrative surrounding a "pit bull" when it's anything other than a DOG. Right? <P>But a narrative has indeed been created. Go to just about any pro-"pit bull" website and you'll read about all these heroics of famous "pit bulls" (referencing often dogs that are actually REAL Pit Bulls, that elusive creature we in the know call the APBT); snippets of history stolen from actual real breeds of dog, desirable behavioral traits that are ascribed to "pit bulls" (that's like saying all black or white or bi-colored or speckled dogs have XYZ behavioral characteristics - "pit bulls" are so vaguely categorized that you cannot ascribe ANY traits to them because they are no specific thing, just a bunch of dogs grouped together that look sort of vaguely similar). Technically, you cannot talk specifics about such a grouping, and should only be talking about DOG TRAITS and EVOLUTION, not breed-specifics. <P>It is quite obvious that organizations like RPB that still focus on a specific breed of dog (the APBT, what we have been calling the REAL Pit Bull), and those organizations that are using the current redefinition of "pit bull" are talking about two different things. But one thing all of us do seem to agree upon these days is that "pit bulls" are discriminated against, need our love and protection, and are dogs worth being judged as individuals. From a political standpoint (we're all against breed specific legislation, promote responsible ownership, and want equal treatment of all dogs regardless of what those dogs look like), we're all on the same page. Where RPB deviates is its focus on a specific BREED, while the other "pit bull" groups are focused merely on dogs that look a certain way. That means WE educate about very specific breed traits, standards, registries, and care/management specifics. The other groups that aren't talking about a specific breed do not (or should not - some still do despite the fact that they claim " 'pit bulls' are not a breed"). <P>Under the new definition of "pit bull" the APBT is absolutely included. But "pit bull" no longer applies ONLY to the APBT. Trying to enforce an organizational policy and general educational message of "The term Pit Bull only applies to the APBT!" has proven no longer possible due to the widespread acceptance of the NEW definition of "pit bull". This new definition has been a constant thorn in our side and caused conflict when we are trying to promote breed specific material that then gets thrown back in our face because " 'pit bulls' are not a breed!", or "you have to take each dog as an individual!". We are slowly changing our language, on both our site and vast array of hard copy educational material. RPB is absolutely still all about the American Pit Bull Terrier. What was once an organizational name meant to promote the REAL version of a dog that was vastly different from what the media had portrayed it to be, has now taken on a whole new light: The REAL Pit Bull, the original dog called Pit Bull, the only TRUE Pit Bull is what we, RPB represent. That doesn't mean the vast array of dogs called "pit bulls" that other groups support and promote are any less important, it just means that RPB is an organization dedicated to one of the SPECIFIC breeds that gets lumped into the "pit bull" category - the APBT. We'll be updating some of our policies and mission statements over the next few weeks/months and hope to continue to try to improve the communication between the vast array of groups and individuals that impact the lives of dogs and the language and legislation surrounding any dog that may be called a "pit bull". We at RPB will continue to be the voice and advocate of the REAL Pit Bull, the American Pit Bull Terrier. We are your source for fact vs fiction, when it comes to this breed. We absolutely are proud to support and advocate for a specific BREED of dog while also promoting policies and legislation that do not discriminate against ANY dog and take each dog for what it is as an individual.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-8932158826295551672013-10-24T12:40:00.002-04:002013-10-24T12:42:10.563-04:00Free & Low Cost Training Help<P>Mary Alverson (formerly Harwelik), certified trainer of <a href="http://www.maryalversonanimaltraining.com">Enlightened Canine Consulting</a>, RPB Director and head of our Training & Behavior Department, is available on the RPB Forum Monday through Friday for help with behavioral and training issues/questions. <P>This service is free - <a href="http://www.realpitbullforum.com">just sign up to the forum</a> (free and easy) and post your questions/concerns on the Training & Behavior board (you are also free to participate on any part of the forum! It is a great little community full of supportive, breed-savvy people). <P>Mary has been working with Pit Bulls for approximately 18 years. She has been training dogs and studying behavior for longer. She is certified through the <a href="http://www.ccpdt.com">CCPDT</a> and her specialty is Pit Bulls and behavior. You can be sure you are getting accurate, real-world advice and help from Mary, someone who has made Pit Bulls her life for close to 2 decades. Mary uses only positive reinforcement, and modern/scientific training techniques. If you are confused about all the advice you can find online or in books, let Mary steer you in the right direction. <P><a href="http://www.realpitbull.com/pbs.html">Pit Bull School</a> is the program offered through RPB that offers this free service as well as low cost classes, phone consultations and in-home training and behavioral help. Classes and in-home services will resume in 2014 in NJ, but for now take advantage of the free forum service. If you are looking for something a little more and would like to schedule a private phone or email consultation with Mary, please email her: realpitbull@gmail.com Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-36853558463216979722013-07-02T08:45:00.001-04:002013-07-02T12:56:24.836-04:00Do Pit Bulls Have a Propensity for Dog-Directed Aggression?**Please note this article is written by a behavior specialist who has spent most of her time working with Pit Bulls since 1994. When speaking about "Pit Bulls", the author is referring to American Pit Bull Terriers, or rescued dogs believed to be American Pit Bull Terriers. <P> There is a trend today in rescue, shelter work, and advocacy to call a wide variety of breeds and mixes "pit bulls" as slang; the term "pit bull" when used as slang, means absolutely nothing: it can refer to almost any short haired, blocky dog. When used in such a manner, this term is used as a label for a group of dogs comprised of what amounts to nothing more than a random sampling of the species - NOT a specific breed or even breed mix. When dogs are grouped like this, NO generalizations can be made except in terms of basic, nonspecific species behavior. When one is speaking about a purebred breed of dog, however, breed generalizations absolutely can be made - it is when speaking about a specific breed of dog that discussions about dog-directed aggression can be had, for example as in this blog post. <P><center>==================================</center> <P>The one million dollar question - are Pit Bulls more prone to showing dog-directed aggression than other breeds? Is this a question that can even be answered? <P>This is a topic that gets debated with considerable ferocity, not just by people involved in the breed in a positive capacity, but also amongst groups and leaders who seek to ban the Pit Bull. It is a delicate topic, if only because of the anti-Pit Bull political climate, but one that must be broached and begs a moderate stance. <P>There are 400+ breeds. There are many types of aggression - fear, predatory (which really belongs in its own category as it is not true aggression), "dominance" (I prefer the term 'conflict aggression'), territorial, dog-directed, human-directed, idiopathic (i.e. of unknown origin), etc. There is "normal" aggression (all dogs can potentially be aggressive, and aggression is a normal and natural survival trait), and pathological aggression that is out of context and exaggerated. Also, aggression that appears in one breed may be considered pathological while that same sort of aggression appearing in another breed may be considered typical or expected. Case in point: some tendency for dog-directed aggression in Pit Bulls is not considered a fault per se, but in Goldens it is an extremely undesirable trait. As a comparison, wary, guarding-type behaviors are desired in some breeds yet in Pit Bulls would be considered huge faults in temperament. <P>Really, it's pretty difficult - if not impossible - to verify the validity of a statement like "This breed is 'more or less' aggressive than ALL OTHER BREEDS". There are just too many variables. We don't have "aggression genes" pinpointed yet (so we cannot simply do a genetic test), and there have been no exhaustive studies done on aggression and its manifestation within various breeds. And science has pretty much come to the conclusion that behavior is an inextricable combination of nature and environmental learning. For a complex notion like aggression (which is not a single behavior but a suite of behaviors), there are no simple answers. <P>What is feasible and reasonable, however, is to look at a single breed you're familiar with, and compare it to other dogs you've come across. The Pit Bull, for instance, a breed I am very familiar with and have studied since 1994. Also, as a certified dog trainer, and someone who is just plain obsessed with all things dog (especially dog behavior), I've had lots of opportunity for and actively sought to do hands-on work with a variety of breeds and have gone out of my way to observe and study behavior. <P>What I've observed in the breed is a high tendency to exhibit dog-directed aggression. Notice I say 'tendency to exhibit' - I am not calling the breed 'dog-aggressive', as I do not think there is such a thing as a 'dog-aggressive breed'. Dogs are not born with aggressive behavior - they learn it. <P>I can't prove percentage-wise or point to a study that shows that Pit Bulls exhibit a higher rate of dog-directed aggression than all other breeds (although I do believe that they exhibit a higher rate than many other breeds). This is a breed, after all, that was carefully selectively bred specifically for dog on dog combat. This is a point that cannot be ignored. Relatively few breeds were bred specifically for the unnatural purpose of fighting and doing damage to members of their own kind. To believe for a moment that your average German Shepherd (bred for herding/police work) or Golden Retriever (bred for retrieving during hunts) will exhibit the same propensity for exhibiting dog-directed aggression than the average Pit Bull will, is naïve at best and really downright dangerous at worst. <P>Pit Bulls often exhibit arousal around other dogs, overexcitedly seeking to interact and play with others. Their play is rough and dogs of other breeds often are overwhelmed by the play behavior of Pit Bulls. This rough play can easily escalate to the point where someone's pushed to the point of over-arousal or bitten too hard or is misinterpreted, hence a fight breaking out. <P>It is specifically because of a propensity for dog-directed aggression that Pit Bulls are not the breed for the average dog owner. Just as many mastiff and livestock guarding breeds were bred for a high degree of wariness towards humans and a strong tendency to exhibit aggression towards humans that are not part of their own family unit are ill-advisedly owned by the typical person in search of a dog, so is the Pit Bull very often an incorrect choice. <P>The irony is that Pit Bulls are an extremely human friendly breed, and any aggression towards humans is viewed as a major flaw. In fact, during the creation of this breed, there was a strong tendency to cull (eliminate from the gene pool) any dogs that exhibited human aggression. This tendency continues today, and in fact any breeder that produces "guard" or "protection" Pit Bulls or Pit Bulls with any propensity towards human aggression is shunned by the fancy at large and looked down upon. <P>In this society where dogs are increasingly viewed as "protectors" of home and family or as cuddly objects that are akin to live stuffed animals and expected to get along with every animal that crosses their paths, the Pit Bull is left stuck in a misunderstood middle. <P>When kept by a person with the wherewithal for proper management, this breed can excel at many tasks despite any propensity for dog-aggression. And this propensity can be managed and handled so as to never cause any trouble for guardian, dog or other dogs. It is mismanagement that is an increasing problem and a huge factor contributing to the large number of Pit Bull (and all dog) attacks on other members of their own species that are regularly appearing in papers across the country. <P>It is imperative that any person involved in rescue and placement of Pit Bulls understand the intricacies of Pit Bull behavior, particularly that of dog-aggression, so they may choose the appropriate homes and properly educate new guardians. This involves recognizing the varying degrees of dog-directed aggressive behavior that can show up in the breed, precursor behaviors, and triggers. By no means are all Pit Bulls going to show dog-directed aggression to any significant degree. Each dog needs to be evaluated as an individual while respect is also given to breed traits and tendencies as well. <P>Is the declaration, "Pit Bulls are dog-aggressive!" going to make the anti-Pit Bull legislators' jobs easier? There is no easy answer to this debate. But reality-based education of guardians who are ultimately responsible for the breed's future is sorely needed. No matter how often the chant of "Pit Bulls are no more dog-aggressive than any other breed!" is yelled from the rooftops, if irresponsible or naïve guardians are allowing their dogs to attack, injure and kill other dogs/animals, the chant will fall on deaf ears and the breed will continue to face outlaw status. <P>The best friend of the Pit Bull are guardians who are educated about their breed of choice and therefore capable handlers who keep their dogs out of trouble and out of the crosshairs of those who would ban the breed. <P><I>--Mary L. Harwelik, Certified Pet Dog Trainer; behavior & Pit Bull specialist; Founder & Director of The Real Pit Bull, Inc.</I>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-6354054885758186992013-06-28T08:57:00.002-04:002018-12-26T17:09:12.082-05:00“Ok, so what the heck is a ‘pit bull’”? <P>The tons of written material out there – most of it new – pertaining to defining “pit bull” is extremely confusing and even misinformed in many cases. In this post we’ll try to sort through the mess and get to the bottom of the term Pit Bull, explain what RPB means when we say "Pit Bull", and hopefully steer you towards the correct usage of this breed nickname. <P>Let’s get this first fact out of the way. The ONLY BREED ever known to have the words Pit Bull as part of its official, recognized breed name is the AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER (APBT), which was officially named in 1898 by the United Kennel Club. The term ‘pit bull’ comes from this breed’s official, registry-recognized name. That’s a fact; it’s indisputable. <P>The Real Pit Bull, Inc. (RPB) was founded circa 1997, as a breed education source for the American Pit Bull Terrier. The reason the name The Real Pit Bull was chosen was to reference the REAL - not the media-hyped up, false version of the "monster" - Pit Bull, the truth about it, not the fictitious version. We've always been breed-specific, educating on breed-specific traits. Eventually we grew and morphed into a breed-focused rescue. Breed rescues focus on purebred or believed-to-be-purebred dogs of their focused-on breed. Hence, at RPB, we focus ONLY on American PIT BULL Terriers. <P>RPB only uses the term Pit Bull when we are referencing the American Pit Bull Terrier, or dogs of unknown ancestry we believe to be APBTs. Makes sense, right? It’s the ONLY breed with the words PIT BULL in its name. Let’s compare this use of a nickname to another breed. How about the Rottweiler? Although the dogs are officially recognized with the breed name ROTTWEILER, they are often called Rotts or Rotties for short. We can do the same thing with Doberman Pinschers. Officially known as Doberman Pinschers, they are often called Dobes, referencing the purebred, specific breed of dog, by a very distinct nickname that obviously can only apply to the Doberman Pinscher. <P> (How many nicknames pertaining to other breeds can you come up with? Do you use any of these breed nicknames to reference breeds/dogs OTHER than the official breed?) <P>“<i>But I’ve read a lot of breed specific legislation [BSL], and the laws as written always state “pit bull” as meaning these three dog breeds: the American Pit Bull Terrier [APBT], the American Staffordshire Terrier [AST], and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier [SBT] – so obviously “pit bull” can be used to reference more than one breed….right?”</i> Well, not really. First of all, it is best not to follow the lead of people who support and write legislation meant to ban our dogs based on the notion that they are inherently vicious man-eaters. If we took the word of breed specific legislation, we’d also have to concede that Pit Bulls are vicious, unsafe companions, that shouldn’t be kept in our communities. But the inclusion of three specifically-named dog breeds in BSL has more to do with the similar history of these dogs and confusion generated by breed registries. <P>Get to know your breed history, and speak with experts involved with their breed of choice, talk to breed clubs. Don't look to the media, and be careful believing what you read on websites that often simply parrot each other (instead of having been authored by people actually involved with the breed(s) they are speaking on or having done real research). <P>The American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier were the same exact breed with the same exact history until 1936 when the American Kennel Club recognized the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) but changed its name to Staffordshire Terrier (later on adding the prefix American). In fact, any American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) can also be registered as an American Pit Bull Terrier with the United Kennel Club. Whether or not you consider the APBT and the AST to be the same breed at this point all comes down to what your definition of “breed” is and whether or not you consider the AST to be significantly different from the American Pit Bull Terrier at this point due to selective, closed breeding pools. Obviously, if you consider the AST to be a separate breed from the APBT, the UKC disagrees with you – and so do we. RPB considers the APBT and the AST to be THE SAME BREED. You can really call either a Pit Bull and not be wrong. Read all about APBT (and AST) <a href="http://www.realpitbull.com/history.html">here</a>. It’s convoluted, but this is the reason BSL names American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers specifically and separately – they are the same dogs, known under different names based on the registry they are connected with. <P>What about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT)? Although the SBT is a breed separate and apart from the APBT and AST, they are very closely related and come from the same original bull-and-terrier crosses that the APBT and AST come from. The flow of history and breed creation just took the SBT along a similar albeit separate path. The SBT was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1975. You can read about SBT history and see how similar their history is to that of the APBT and AST here<a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/history.cfm"> at the AKC website</a>. <P>APBT and AST people often call their dogs “Pit Bulls” for short (although some AST folks do balk at that term, or consider, at this point, the APBT and AST to be very similar but separate breeds), but SBT people are very definite about the fact that their dogs are NOT Pit Bulls and are not to be called such. A quote from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America, on its rescue page, very adamantly states the following: <i>"The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America ("SBTCA") assists with the rescue and rehoming of pure bred English Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Unfortunately this is not the place for Pit Bull Rescue…."</i> Clearly distinguishing the SBT from the Pit Bull – noting they are separate breeds – the SBTC does not extend rescue help to Pit Bulls. And why would they? They are a club that is dedicated to the SBT. (As an aside, many so-called “pit bull rescues” on the other hand, include SBTs in their list of “pit bull breeds” that they rescue – these are usually rescues that pay no mind to distinguishing one breed from another and use the BSL-defined “pit bull” as their reference point for what dogs they do and do not pull into their rescue.) It should be noted that SBTs are very rare, and almost never involved in any attacks whatsoever. It’s almost a formality that they are tossed under the BSL bus along with APBTs and ASTs, simply by virtue of their closely-related history and look. <P>BSL in addition to listing the APBT, AST and SBT separately will also often include a phrase like, “…and any dog with similar characteristics to any of the above breeds”. It’s clear why BSL is worded like this, isn’t it? Since many dogs may not actually come with papers and pedigree proving what breed they are or are not, BSL attempts to cover all bases by including dogs that MAY be Pit Bulls by virtue of the fact that they look like Pit Bulls. It doesn’t mean they ARE Pit Bulls, it just means that they share some physical attributes, so they better be targeted “just in case”. The onus would be on the accused’s human to prove the dog is NOT actually a “pit bull” (APBT, AST, SBT) as defined by BSL. If the owner COULD prove that the dog is NOT a “pit bull” as defined by BSL, the dog would be exempt – doesn’t matter WHAT the dog looks like at that point, just so long as it is proven it’s not a “pit bull”. So you see, it’s not really about “any short, stocky dog with a big head being a ‘pit bull’ ” it’s about making sure any BSL-defined "pit bulls" fall under the jurisdiction of BSL, and if that means some OTHER breeds/mixes get targeted in the process, so be it. <P>Just because PIT BULL is used in a certain way, to make sure all bases are covered and due to the fact that certain breeds are very closely related – almost indistinguishably so – doesn’t mean that the term has no meaning, that "pit bull" is “no such breed” and that it doesn’t actually refer to a very specific breed of dog. <P>BSL also targets OTHER breeds. Breeds like American Bulldogs, Dogo Argentino, or Cane Corso may be specifically named in BSL. That does not make these breeds Pit Bulls, it makes them breeds targeted by legislation meant to ban or restrict them. Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-8135201669003481352013-06-14T09:44:00.002-04:002013-06-14T09:46:52.600-04:00The cost of doing business with the wrong trainer. Because of Cesar Millan's affinity for Pit Bulls and supposed Pit Bull "expertise" a lot of our fellow Pit Bull fanatics seem to gravitate towards him. Not just gravitate towards him, but emulate him. Indeed, over the past several years, we've seen a lot of new "pit bull trainers" pop up seemingly mimicking Millan and trying to follow his recipe for success. We do occasionally post on this blog reminders that Cesar Millan's methods are highly controversial and nearly universally derided by animal behavior professionals (i.e. those with actual field degrees) and ethologists, and warn people away from Millan as well as anyone using similar aversive and dangerous techniques. <P>There is a clip floating around the internet showing Cesar Millan strangling a dog named Shadow that he repeatedly provokes into aggression. The clip is difficult to watch and at the end shows an exhausted, nearly asphyxiated animal laying on the ground. It's actually pretty horrific and that anyone could see this and still be a fan of Millan speaks to the problem of what we deem acceptable/normal in dog training due to the complete lack of regulation in the dog training field (no degrees, training, or certification is required to call oneself a "dog trainer"). <P>We just stumbled across a couple of good blog articles that we'd like to share with our readers. The first is talking about the incident in which Millan strangles Shadow, posted on Psychology Today, and you can <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/201204/did-cesar-millan-have-hang-the-husky">read that here</a>. The second is not Millan-specific but talks about stress in dog training, how it can hamper learning, and also mentions a case in which a dog was subjected to a technique like the one Shadow experienced and received permanent serious physical damage to the point that the dog had to be euthanized. That second blog can be <a href="http://prescottbreeden.com/2013/05/01/stress-and-learning/">found here</a>. <P>It's important for dog parents to take some time to learn about behavior and learning before launching into any training endeavor. Researching the person you are receiving instruction from is important, and please remember just because someone calls themselves an expert on TV or in real life, doesn't mean they know what they are doing. For the sake of the dogs, we cannot stress enough the importance of working with ONLY qualified, <a href="http://www.trulydogfriendly.com/blog/?page_id=2">dog-friendly</a> trainers, veterinary behaviorists, or <a href="http://certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/">Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists</a>. Your dog's physical, emotional and behavioral health is at stake.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-11769186292647682782013-05-31T09:41:00.001-04:002013-05-31T13:03:33.651-04:00Our Favorite Dog Books - Pt. 2: Training Book Must-Haves<P>Basic training and how-dogs-learn books are must-haves for every dog person's library. There is no shortage of fantastic, do-it-yourself, at-home training books available now that explain modern, effective dog training and behavior modification. Here are some books on the "basics" that we just love. These books have each inspired in some way our own training philosophy and program at The Real Pit Bull. They are great for beginners as well as those who have experience. <P>Dig in and enjoy! <P><img src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB723_b.jpg"> One of the original and best books on what "positive dog training" is all about, this is the book that will help clear up a lot of questions and misconceptions about positive dog training. It's not about bribing or begging or being lenient - it's about applying science to teach your dog how to behave and do what you want. This is a great introduction to what it means to train dogs in a modern, humane way. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB723&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">POWER OF POSITIVE DOG TRAINING, 2ND EDITION</A> <P><IMG src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB633_b.jpg"> The ORIGINAL Dog Whisperer, Paul Owens, is the author of this fantastic book that details how to create an amazing relationship with your dog built on trust, understanding, and the use of positive reinforcement. If you are after a deep connection with your dog and not just into the idea of getting him to obey empty "commands", this book is for you. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB633&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">THE DOG WHISPERER, 2ND EDITION</A> <P><img src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB1189_b.jpg"> Pam Dennison's excellent book on positive dog training is a great foundation-and-beyond read for anyone new or even already schooled in positive dog training. Detailed, fun to read, and written with a keen understanding of how to shape behavior using positive reinforcement, this book is one that should not be passed up. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB1189&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">COMPLETE IDIOTS GUIDE TO POSITIVE DOG TRAINING - 3RD EDITION</A> <P><img src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB622_b.jpg"> What is "clicker training"? How is it applied to teach dogs? This little book is a great introduction to clicker training, which is the method we use at RPB to teach dogs and modify behavior. Karen Pryor, the author, is THE authority on clicker training and the source for all things "clicker". <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB622&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">CLICKER TRAINING FOR DOGS</A> <P><img src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB695_b.jpg"> This handy book is filled with "recipes" for teaching your dog a variety of behaviors using the clicker. It's a great reference book and easy to use, written in a step-by-step style. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB695&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">CLICKING WITH YOUR DOG - STEP-BY-STEP IN PICTURES</A> <P><img src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB757_b.jpg"> Just about any question you've ever had about clicker training can be found in this book. It fills in all the little blanks to help make you the best clicker trainer you can be. Unsure about how to wean off the clicker? The answer's here! Want to build duration (teach your dog to sit longer, stay put for a while, etc)? Find out how, here! Don't know how to get your dog to follow a cue each and every time, whether you have a clicker or not? The answer's in this book! Reference-style and well-indexed to help you find what you are looking for fast and easy. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB757&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">CLICK FOR JOY! - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM CLICKER TRAINERS AND THEIR DOGS</A> Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-36159206672772625852013-05-09T09:46:00.002-04:002013-05-09T09:46:26.754-04:00Clicker training takes over the world!<P>.....well, we think it would be amazing if it was the predominate method used to teach dogs, anyway. And RPB does its part to promote clicker training as a humane, effective method for teaching dogs new behaviors. It is our method of choice, what we use in our classes, and all of our foster dogs are clicker trained before being placed into new homes. One of our goals is to create a wide network of clicker-trained Pit Bulls - we call them Click Bulls ;-) - and Pit Bull parents who spread the word that positive, gentle training WORKS on even our big, burly, butchy dogs. Not only is clicker training a kind, progressive training method, it is also a new way of relating to the world at large. It fosters an attitude of patience, positivity and respect, as well as cultivates communication between species. It's truly a lovely way of interacting with and training your dog and has the power to positively impact our human world as well. <P><b>Clicker training: let's break it down!</b> It starts with a small plastic <a href="http://store.clickertraining.com/classic-box-clicker.html">"clicker"</a>. The clicker makes a fun sound that the dog learns to associate with food. In a very short time (usually only a few sessions of 5 minutes) the dog learns that "CLICK!" means "TREAT". (Training treats are small, pea-sized healthy and delicious foods that cannot be resisted. Bits of boiled chicken or liver, cheese, many natural dog training snacks that are on the market, baby carrots, Cheerios, anything the dog loves and is willing to accept as "pay".) <P>CLICK = TREAT <P>Once the dog begins to anticipate that a click means a treat is on the way, it's time to start teaching some new behaviors! <P>There are two ways to use the clicker to teach dogs behaviors - 1) the dog is "set-up" for success. We create an environment where the behavior is likely to occur (i.e. a quiet room with minimal distractions) and wait for the dog to perform the behavior or some approximation of that behavior. For instance, let's say we want to teach the dog to SIT. If we are hanging out in a boring room, where nothing interesting is going on, we can wait for the dog to get bored and say, "Hey, what gives?! Let's do something!" and happens to SIT. Once the dog SITS, we click and treat (toss the treat so the dog gets up, and then wait for the dog to sit again - watch how fast that dog is sitting like crazy waiting for clicks and treats!) <P>IMPORTANT! CLICK first ALWAYS, then offer the treat! <P><b>Concept:</b> Click = <i>GOOD JOB, that's RIGHT</i>! and Treat = <i>PAYDAY!</i> <P>The second way to use the clicker, is to use your body to gently guide the dog into position. A food lure in your hand is the most common, efficient way of using your body to get the behavior to happen. A small piece of food, held in your hand, lured over the dog's head (close to his nose) so he sits, followed immediately by a CLICK then treat, is one way to teach a SIT with the clicker. <P>After the dog "gets" what he's supposed to be doing (i.e. SIT = ka-CHING! payday!) you can start cuing the behavior - saying the word SIT, THEN clicking and treating. The next steps involve working on the behavior in various locations, teaching the dog that he won't get paid after EVERY single performance of the behavior, but that he WILL always at some point get paid, then weaning the dog off the clicker. <P>Clicker training gives you a way of efficiently communicating with your dog. Once your dog knows what the clicker means ("Good job!") you can effectively use it to "talk" to him. It is also a hands-off method. We can teach complex behaviors without ever having touched the dog! <P>People might be surprised at how fast clicker-trained dogs learn, how eager they are, and how much fun they seem to have while engaged in training sessions. One reason clicker-trained dogs pick up new behaviors so fast may be explained by the relationship between the click and the oldest part of the brain, the amygdala. From <a href="http://www.clickertraining.com">ClickerTraining.com</a>,<i>"Research in neurophysiology has identified the kinds of stimuli—bright lights, sudden sharp sounds—that reach the amygdala first, before reaching the cortex or thinking part of the brain. The click is that kind of stimulus. Other research, on conditioned fear responses in humans, shows that these also are established via the amygdala, and are characterized by a pattern of very rapid learning, often on a single trial, long-term retention, and a big surge of concomitant emotions. The New York Times Sunday Magazine ran a cover story surveying this research in 1999."</i> <P>Clicker-trained dogs are enthusiastic and willing participants in training because they are given choices (which creates a fast-learning environment as opposed to FORCING behavior), set-up to succeed in training, and provided with LOTS of positive feedback. They know immediately when they are doing something "right", provided with quick "pay" for a job well done, and allowed the opportunity to use their brains. Clicker training isn't about forcing dogs into position (where us humans do the work) or jerking them into compliance (imagine if YOUR boss taught you new tasks at work by pushing you around the office hallways all day, or smacking your hands with a ruler when you typed incorrect information). It's all about working WITH your dog, in a team capacity. You are both exploring, interacting, learning about each other. People who clicker train seem to get as attached to the clicker as the dogs do! It is an enjoyable, positive thing to do with your dog. <P>Clicker training uses positive reinforcement to teach new behaviors, fix behavior problems, and simply communicate with your dog. It fosters an attitude of trust between participants - there is no fear or intimidation involved in this sort of training. It focuses on the positive, what's RIGHT, instead of what's "wrong". This eliminates frustration and resentment, and "acting out" behavior. What would happen in our daily lives if we focused on catching each other doing something right? How about focusing on the good in the world each day, thanking the Universe for what you've been gifted with, instead of wasting emotional energy on what you hate about your life? The whole idea of clicker training is that by focusing on what's RIGHT, we get more of it; the "wrong" gets pushed out by default. <P>Before we end this post, let's talk a moment about methods that perpetuate the myth that Pit Bulls are "tough, aggressive, hard-headed, unresponsive to kindness/positivity and difficult to control": those that utilize prong or choke collars, physical punishment, and electric shock. Pit Bulls are intelligent, gentle, emotional dogs that do oh-so-well with training methods that are respectful of them as feeling, sentient creatures. Clicker training gives them the opportunity to learn and perform behaviors without threat or coercion. It is a respectful, KIND method of training that doesn't hurt the dog OR the image of the breed - it showcases just how intelligent and EASY to control Pit Bulls are. Harsh methods that rely on pain to train showcase only the unwillingness of the trainer to expand his or her mind and extend compassion to a weaker creature that is at the mercy of the human at the end of the leash. <P>This post is only a very basic introduction to clicker training. Although this method of training is remarkably simple, it has endless applications and this post should be seen as only a brief glimpse into the world of clicker training. A gateway into that world is Karen Pryor's <a href="http://www.clickertraining.com">ClickerTraining.com</a>. Karen Pryor is the pioneer of clicker training and her site is THE source to begin your journey into clicker training. Please go have a look around her site! Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-66497801851224665402013-05-01T13:52:00.002-04:002013-05-06T08:32:01.334-04:00No pinching or poking - saying no to prong collars.<P>There are lots of great reasons to avoid use of prong (aka 'pinch') collars. There are just as many reasons offered up from those who insist on using them. The bottom line is, if someone is married to the idea of prong use and has experienced success with one, it will be very difficult to convince that person to stop using one and move onto something more dog-friendly. Humans are not immune to the laws of learning and the reinforcement one receives from successful application of a prong can be very powerful and drive continued use, even after valid intellectual arguments are presented. <P>I'd like to talk about my transition away from prongs - a collar I had a lot of success using for a while. <P>I'll preface this blog by stating that I as a <a href="http://www.dogsandreiki.wordpress.com">professional trainer </a>specializing in Pit Bulls and aggression have not used prong collars in many years. My tools of choice are flat buckle collars, <a href="https://www.premier.com/store/Products.aspx?cid=1&pid=11">martingale collars</a>, <a href="http://www.softouchconcepts.com/">front-connect harnesses</a> and as a last resort, head collars like the <a href="https://www.premier.com/store/Products.aspx?cid=1&pid=1">Gentle Leader</a>. The Real Pit Bull uses these same tools on all of our foster dogs and in our classes. RPB never ever uses prong collars. <P>There was a time in my dog training adventures when I transitioned from choke collars to prong collars. They were "more humane", or so I thought. Hey, at least they weren't a tool with the word "choke" in the name. The trainers who introduced me to this collar would call it "power steering", because so many dogs would almost instantly stop pulling on leash with just a few little wrist-flicks from their handlers, following along easily and becoming almost magically well-behaved. It was pretty easy to control dogs with these scary-looking but supposedly-harmless collars. <P>It didn't take long before I started questioning WHY prong collars worked - or DIDN'T work, as the case may be. Especially when I ran into trouble with my personal dog - a 70 lbs AmStaff who developed extreme dog-directed aggression. Not only did prong collar "corrections" (jerks on the leash) not seem to help his behavioral problems, my dog seemed to be getting progressively worse. He'd see a dog, freak out, I'd jerk the leash, and he'd double his efforts to get at the other dog. This went on for ages. What was the problem, here? <P>After some trial and error, I tossed that stupid prong collar away, never to pick it up again. I discovered the Gentle Leader headcollar, then gradually weaned my dog off that collar and onto a front connect harness and martingale collar. My dog was MUCH happier. Who wouldn't be? Who likes prongs poking into their neck, amirite? The damage was already done, however: the time spent in a prong collar had only made my poor dog's behavioral issues worse and it would be a long road to undo that damage. <P>The success I had with the newer, humane training tools convinced me - and I'll never, ever go back to prong collars, not for my own dogs, not for clients' dogs, and not for RPB dogs. <P>Why? <P>Let's just look at the design of the prong collar for starters. WHAT is it designed to do? <P>Prong collars are made up of a series of interlocking links, with little blunt-edged prongs facing and laying up against the dog's neck when the collar is placed on the animal. When tightened, those prongs push into the dog's neck and towards each other causing a "pinching" action. The prongs don't actually puncture the dog's skin, but they DO cause discomfort at the very least, and pain at worst. Even when used correctly, prong collars are DESIGNED TO CAUSE DISCOMFORT - that is how they work and how they get a dog to "stop" doing whatever behavior you'd like them to stop doing (usually pulling). <P>(Ever have a trainer tell you that screech the dog makes when hitting the end of a leash on a prong collar for the first time was just the dog being "startled"? Uh huh. Right - the dog's just "startled". And to those who insist on denying the fact that prong collars work because they are aversive - i.e. uncomfortbale or painful - I only wish you'd have someone put a prong collar on your neck and without saying a word, guide you around on a leash. See if you follow because the collar feels like a soft, pleasureable massage you'd like more of, or instead is causing discomfort you're trying to avoid/get away from by following.) <P>Behaviorally, these collars can cause all sorts of problems. Here're the three biggies to worry about: <LI>Dog parents can become highly dependent on the prong collar, with the dog ONLY behaving while wearing one (dog gets collar-wise) <LI>They can cause heightened arousal and aggression <LI>They can cause unintentional negative associations in the dog's mind (i.e. "Other dog = painful neck = other dog causes neck pain so I must work even HARDER [more aggressively] to get that scary dog away!") <P><a href="http://bigdogshugepaws.com/choke-prong-or-shock-collars">Pat Miller, a noted trainer, lecturer and author, has this to say about the use of prong and other aversive collars and resultant behavior problems</a>: "<I>Choke chains, prong collars and shock collars utilize mild to severe punishment, called ‘corrections’ by trainers who use them, to let the dog know when she has done something wrong. I don`t recommend their use. Punishment can be difficult to administer effectively- timing and severity of the correction are critical to effective punishment training - and even when done properly there is a high risk of unintended and undesirable side effects, including aggression..."</i> <P>In addition to behavioral issues, there is evidence that prong collars can cause physical problems for dogs, as well. <P><a href="http://peterdobias.com/community/2011/07/dog-collars-can-cause-disease-and-possibly-lead-to-cancer/">Dr. Peter Dobias</a> has this to say about prong collar usage: <i>"For years, I have observed the relationships between [the use of prong collars] and the neck injuries and health of dogs. I have learned that if the flow of energy in the neck is interrupted or restricted, a whole array of problems may arise including lameness, skin issues, allergies, lung and heart problems, digestive issues, ear and eye conditions, thyroid gland dysfunctions to name a few. I also suspect that the patients that have severe energy flow congestion in the neck area have a higher cancer rates."</i> <P>So prong collars can make behavior problems they supposedly remedy even worse. And maybe even cause health issues. This is when being used correctly. Many people will say, "Ok, sure, but they've always worked GREAT for me, and my dog is wonderful on a prong! And he's totally fine!" Well, I cannot force anyone to stop using prong collars. I can hope dog parents give them up and switch to more dog-friendly tools that were NOT designed to cause discomfort. But that is just a hope. What I CAN do is present some reasons why I personally, as a professional, and why RPB, do not use them. I've found way more reason to NOT use them, then to use them. Here's hoping you will too! <P>In another blog entry, I'll talk about the tools RPB uses in its classes and on its foster dogs. There are plenty of alternatives to prong collars; tools that when used properly along with positive reinforcement training and behavior modification, can make a real difference in your dog's life, as well as yours. ~Mary Director - RPB Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-87003050762534531692013-04-15T14:45:00.001-04:002013-10-24T11:18:16.317-04:00Our Favorite Dog Books - Pt 1<P>There are so many wonderful books out now on a variety of topics that will help you be the best dog parent you can be, while also helping you understand the fascinating creature in your living room, the dog! <P>Here are some of our favorite fundamentals that we think NO dog parent should pass up (we'll post more blogs featuring our fave books on different topics to help you build your dog library!): <P> <P><a href="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB700_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB700_b.jpg" /></a> The subtitle of this book is "A New Understanding of Canine Origins, Behavior & Evolution". If you want the truth about where dogs come from, this book cannot be missed. Think you know the story? Pick up this book, then think again. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB700&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">DOGS A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF CANINE ORIGIN, BEHAVIOR, AND EVOLUTION</A> <P> <a href="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB527_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB527_b.jpg" /></a> One of the most important and influential dog books of recent years, On Talking Terms With Dogs will take you into a whole new world of reading dog body language. This book is a triumph and has influenced many trainers. Finally, when your dog speaks, you'll be able to listen. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB527&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS - CALMING SIGNALS, 2ND EDITION</A> <P> <a href="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB116_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB116_b.jpg" /></a> An absolutely imperative read, this book will help you understand not only how your dog learns, but also how all organisms (including YOU) learn. Use positive reinforcement to influence your dog's behavior - and that of other animals, human and non-human - in a meaningful, respectful way. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB116&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">DON'T SHOOT THE DOG</A> <P> <a href="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB1291_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB1291_b.jpg" /></a> This book is a kick in the pants towards a better understanding of dogs, how to train them, and how NOT to. Really, this is a book every single person who has ever shared their life with a dog, who handles dogs in any capacity, or who is thinking about getting a dog, NEEDS TO READ NOW! <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB1291&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">CULTURE CLASH</A> <P> <a href="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB1246_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://www.dogwise.com/Photos/Medium/DTB1246_b.jpg" /></a> Break free from the old, outdated mindset of "dominance and control", and learn how you can enter into a more harmonious, mutually-respectful relationship with your dog. It's not about control - it's about communication. And with better communication comes a better behaved dog. <A HREF="http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB1246&AffiliateID=45933&Method=3">PLENTY IN LIFE IS FREE - REFLECTIONS ON DOGS, TRAINING AND FINDING GRACE</A> Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-13053349788319888672012-04-29T06:00:00.007-04:002012-04-29T08:26:42.373-04:00Happy Gotcha Day, Sedona!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sedona’s Gotcha Day is April 30th.&nbsp; One year ago The REAL Pit Bull brought this&nbsp;scared little dog to meet Rocky and Lola at our home and see how she fit in before leaving her with us.&nbsp; Having come to RPB six months earlier&nbsp;through the HSUS and <a href="http://www.hellobully.com/home.html" target="_blank">Hello Bully</a> from the <a href="http://youtu.be/WBsIRXM1OtM" target="_blank">Ohio 200 bust</a>, Sedona is one of approximately 200 dogs found penned&nbsp;or tied out on stakes on the property of Sherman Bell, whom has since been <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2012/02/ohio_man_convicted_of_felony_dogfighting_activities.html" target="_blank">convicted</a> of one felony count of possessing and training dogs for dog fighting.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sedona is afflicted with some serious fear and anxiety issues from being "raised" in a terribly isolated situation, but this is not about the negative aspects of her life. This is a celebration of an innocent victim's journey to healing.&nbsp; In a surprisingly short time Sedona has grown into one of the best dogs I have ever known.&nbsp; Even though her fear of the outdoors is still very strong, she tries to overcome it, and has made great strides in accepting her new&nbsp;environment. She is healthy and happy, fun and funny, her temperament is rock solid, and she shows her love of life in her exuberance for the little pleasures.&nbsp; If I were to interview her, I imagine it would go something like this…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So, it’s been a year since The REAL Pit Bull staff sent you to live with us.&nbsp; How do you like it here so far?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I like it fine, I guess.&nbsp; Better than a barrel in the woods, fer sher.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What’s the best part?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I eat TWO TIMES a day!!&nbsp; YAY!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, I know that makes you VERY happy!&nbsp; What don’t you like?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Going outside. It’s very scary out there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What scares you?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noises.&nbsp; I don’t know where they come from, or what’s coming.&nbsp; And the kids.&nbsp; They are&nbsp;so scary, I can't even deal with it sometimes. I'm glad you are there with me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, I can see how they could frighten you.&nbsp; But they’re just small people, give it time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah LOTS of time!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I know there’s one thing you like to do outside!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I like the walks on Sunday morning with all my friends.&nbsp; The car ride is okay, but I get nervous, a little.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tell me a little about the walks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Duh, you’re there, too!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, tell the folks about it who are reading this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, we drive a long time to the mountains and meet my friends to go hiking.&nbsp; I like them, they make me feel good, they have dogs, too, and they are really cool.&nbsp; Nobody wants to hurt me, or make me fight, or do mean things.&nbsp; Everybody really likes me! At first I was scared of them, I didn't want to leave the car&nbsp;and I just wanted to go home to my bed. I tried to make friends with the dogs, but not all of them liked me. The people were WAY scary! I didn’t know why you made me do this. It was very hard, and I didn’t like you after.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But you got used to it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not all at once.&nbsp; I got used to the people and even made friends with some, and I forgot the dogs sometimes. I was still scared of the car ride.&nbsp; But once I saw that my friends were there at the end, I got happy.&nbsp; Now I just jump in the back seat when we go.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes you're&nbsp;<em>too</em> happy! You get a little rude, too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(blushing) Maybe, a little. So sue me! I like my friends a lot!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What do you think of Rocky and Lola?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, they are a couple of cool dogs!&nbsp; Lola can be a little bitc...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Me:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Careful!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Sedona:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... snob, though.&nbsp; But she’s okay with me bugging her.&nbsp; And Rocky, he’s funny.&nbsp; He makes me laugh.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me: </b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, he makes me laugh, too, all the time.&nbsp; Do you have any plans for the future?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What’s “the future?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry, my bad.&nbsp; Any last thoughts?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When can we play?&nbsp; When we eatin’? Where’s my new bone?&nbsp; You said I could have cheese, where is it? What about…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Me:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, that’s enough. I get it.&nbsp; Say good-bye to the readers…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Sedona:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wooo wooooo!!</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">* * * * *</span></div><div align="center"></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is a short video of Sedona before one of her walks, and some random shots of what she loves best.&nbsp; She really does love her friends!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VxOnU21hHtQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sedona with Dee Broton, organizer of&nbsp;Meetup.com's <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Sussex-County-Dog-Walking-Group/" target="_blank">Sussex County Dog Walking Group</a>.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">&nbsp;Dee is one of Sedona's favorite people, and the Group has been her saving grace!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/deeandcc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/deeandcc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/CCfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/CCfriend.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/CCandApollo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/CCandApollo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/strut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/strut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/lookback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/lookback.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/CCandMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/CCandMe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq190/dlester/Public/sleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06505915581545922891noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-80490233865843884252012-02-02T09:12:00.003-05:002012-02-02T11:28:27.427-05:006 more weeks of winter = an excuse for a new sweater<a href="http://holidays.kaboose.com/img/ghog_125_rdax_65.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="http://holidays.kaboose.com/img/ghog_125_rdax_65.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow but <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/groundhog-day-2012-punxsutawney-phil-sees-shadow-staten-island-chuck-doesn-t-article-1.1015878?localLinksEnabled=false">Staten Island Chuck </a>didn't. Regardless of which ground hog you believe, we think these chilly February days call for new sweaters for Pit Bulls! <br /><br /><a href="http://shop.dressabull.com/main.sc">Dress A Bull</a> is a canine clothing shop which caters to Bull Breeds and mixes. Through Valentine's Day, 10% of the purchase price of your order will be donated to The Real Pit Bull. Please give 'em a visit - they have some really cute sweaters, along with super nice coats and shirts that we're sure your Pit Bull will just luv!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-61395867706627427822012-02-01T08:34:00.038-05:002012-02-02T11:09:52.920-05:00Tragedy in Brooklyn: Nick Santino & Rocco<a href="http://www.stickershoppe.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/MLRSUIC.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.stickershoppe.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/MLRSUIC.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />A few days ago we read about <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1763850/">Nick Santino</a>, a struggling actor in New York City, who <a href="http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/article/0,,20565845,00.html">committed suicide last Tuesday</a>, an overdose on pills. This story was brought to our attention by a Pit Bull advocate. In fact Pit Bull advocates, bloggers, and Facebook pages devoted to Pit Bulls are all talking about this story. Why? Because Nick Santino had a healthy Pit Bull named Rocco who he euthanized just prior to killing himself. <br /><br />The building Santino lived in enacted a breed specific policy in 2010, but Pit Bulls living in the building prior to that time were grandfathered in. Santino was not required to move, nor was he required to get rid of his dog. However, it is reported that Santino experienced some harassment and was being pressured by the condo board to get rid of Rocco. Under that pressure, Santino euthanized his dog. Wracked with guilt over having had killed his dog, Santino wrote a suicide letter, then killed himself on January 25th. <br /><br />There are many vigils being held for Santino and Rocco, by Pit Bull organizations and advocates, in their memory and for "victims of discrimination" everywhere. It was surprising and a bit disheartening to see that many people seem to be allowing the issues of breed specific legislation and breed discriminatory policies to take center stage, the "story" being presented as such that Santino killed himself as a direct result of the breed discriminatory policy in his building and harassment he was experiencing because of his breed of choice.<br /><br />Harassment or hardship experienced due to breed is something we, as Pit Bull parents, can all surely identify with; many of us have had to experience discrimination ourselves simply because we choose to share our lives with Pit Bulls. Dog parents in general often are subjected to rules and regulations in apartment buildings or condos. According to a story in <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/blaming_us_is_just_pit_bull_F1kBWwYhhwui6B3tecpcuK">The New York Post</a>, Santino and other dog owners in the building received harassment. Rules that Santino was subjected to - such as no dogs in elevators, and no dogs to be left alone for longer than a 9 hour period at a time - were rules all dog owners, regardless of breed, were subjected to. The new policy in Santino's building prevented new Pit Bulls from coming in as residents, but it DID allow for him to keep Rocco. Santino chose to euthanize his dog. Then, according to the suicide note, Santino killed himself because he felt he betrayed his best friend. <br /><br />It would be hard to doubt that the harassment Santino was experiencing was a stressor that contributed to first the euthanization of his dog and then the taking of his own life. However, was breed discrimination the sole cause of Rocco and Santino's deaths; is breed discrimination the real story here? <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/">National Institute of Mental Health's </a>website states, "...suicide and suicidal behavior are not normal responses to stress; many people have these risk factors, but are not suicidal." <br /><br />While Rocco and Santino's deaths may be an opportunity to educate the public about the impact breed discriminatory policies can have, it is important not to allow the issue of breed discrimination to overshadow the issue of suicide, and mental illness in general, which RPB feels is the REAL issue at the core of this story. <br /><br />Many people experience the effects of breed discrimination as well as a plehthora of other stressful, upsetting, and life-altering events. Most of these people will not kill themselves. NIMH's website explains a huge risk factor for suicide is "depression and other mental disorders, or a substance-abuse disorder (often in combination with other mental disorders). <strong>More than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have these risk factors.</strong>" Surely Santino was experiencing a myriad of internal pressures no one will ever know the full scope of. <br /><br />According to the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/suicide.htm">CDC</a>, in 2009 there were 36,909 suicides in the United States, and 666,000 emergency room visits for self-inflicted injury. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says, every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide. But suicide can be prevented. Being aware of <a href="http://www.suicide.org/suicide-warning-signs.html">warning signs</a> loved ones may be exhibiting, making the public aware of the myriad sources for <a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml">education on suicide </a>, and knowing where to go to <a href="http://suicide.org/">seek help </a>if one is experiencing <a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-symptoms-and-types">symptoms of depression </a>or having thoughts of suicide, are just some of the ways to lessen its occurance.<br /><br />We surely hope the tragic story of Nick Santino and Rocco will help shed light on the problematic nature of breed discriminatory policies and anti-Pit Bull legislation, but also, more pressingly, the serious problem of suicide and mental illnesses such as depression which are the leading cause of suicide. <br /><br />If you are considering making a donation to an organization in memory of Nick Santino and Rocco, in order to help fight breed discrimination, please also consider making a donation to an organization that works to prevent suicide. <br /><br />Our hearts go out to Nick Santino, Rocco, and their friends and family. Rest in peace.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-79600257740970699342012-01-17T11:46:00.006-05:002012-01-20T08:18:55.180-05:00"I'm a Pit Bull parent, and...."Last week we posed this fill-in-the-blank question on Facebook: "I'm a Pit Bull parent, and...."<br /><br />We got such a wide variety of responses from all sorts of people whose lives are enriched by their Pit Bulls in all sorts of ways. Below is a compilation of those responses.<br /><br /><br />Lovemybully76: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and proud of it!"<br /><br />Fureverywhere: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and I learn something new from my Ophie every day!"<br /><br />CA Puzio: "I am a Pit Bull Parent and it has changed my life, for together we have learned to self realize and cope with the anxiety within."<br /><br />Catstina: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and I'm studying to be a Psychologist." <br /><br />JohnR: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and am typical of MANY people who work professionally with animals: Pit Bulls are my favorite breed of dog!"<br /><br />Dlester: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and grateful every day."<br /><br />Pitbullmamaliz: "I'm a Pit Bull parent, and through her I've had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people with the biggest hearts."<br /><br />Wannabeowner: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and have the cuddliest, snuggliest, silliest dog EVER!"<br /><br />Daves: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and my only regret is that I didn't become one sooner."<br /><br />Erins66: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and I vote."<br /><br />Barbara Cooper: ‎"I'm a Pit Bull parent, and Terrojax is God's gift to me. He came to me as an owner surrender and found out the next day he had parvo. I nursed him back to health and now he is an awesome 6 year old. I am hard of hearing and he is my ears. He is my best friend and companion. I love my hairy son. I was not sure of him at first because of all the publicity you hear. You just have to live with him to know. Thank you for my best friend. Terrojax momma loves you bunches."<br /><br />Thérése Weiner: "I teach children with multiple disabilities and I'm a proud American Pit Bull Terrier parent. Several of my dogs are certified working therapy dogs. So you can say, we put the pits in the hos'pit'al & the bull in the reading programs at the li-bull-ary among the other venues we work."<br /><br />Patti Deschaine: "I'm a pit bull parent of two of the most fantastic, loving animals I have ever known. More like four legged, speech challenged children. So connected to my pitties!"<br /><br />Cheryl Clauss: "I am a pitbull parent to 9 month old Sapphira, a blue fawn, and aunt to 5 yr old Knucklehead. The depth of love this breed shows to their humans is amazing! We don't "own" pitbulls, we are their people!"<br /><br />Meghan Ridings Cabalar: "I am a Pit Bull parent and my 2 Pits live with my 4 children and are around the children I babysit and provide excellent love and companionship to us all!"<br /><br />Will Rice: ‎"I'm a Pit Bull parent, and a foster parent to children in need, and an adoptive parent to a son I love, and a United Methodist Pastor."<br /><br />Kelly Andrews: ‎"I am a Pit Pull parent to a special needs Pit Bull who loves to be the surrogate momma to orphan kittens!"<br /><br />Kevin Knabe: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and proud to have such a loving, smart, American breed of dog(APBT that is!)"<br /><br />Julia Fabiani: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I am a responsible owner who takes time to educate people who either don't know about them, or have misconceptions."<br /><br />Julie Strader: ‎"I'm a Pit Bull parent, and every day is a gift of love, cuddling, butt wiggles, and clownish fun!"<br /><br />Talia Miller: "I'm a Pit Bull parent, and I couldnt imagine not being one ever."<br /><br />Adrea Garcia-Smith: "I'm a Pit Bull parent, and our boys Roscoe & Hendrix are just the sweetest, goofiest Pits around and are very smart!! They love my 3 girls and cuddling in bed with them!! They're big babies."<br /><br />Stacey Allen Suazo: "I am a Pit Bull parent, an attorney, a professional dog trainer, a business owner, a wife and a mother. I am a responsible parent who teaches my dogs and children how to behave responsibly around others. After 30+ years of having multiple dogs in my life, my Pit Bull has been the best behaved and easiest to train pet I've ever had. He rewards me and my family each day with boundless devotion and love. My Pit Bull is neutered, well-socialized, and lives inside with our family."<br /><br />Yajaira Rivera: "I am a Pit Bull parent and I am blessed with such a breed. Smart, beautiful, loving, loyal and goofy :) Diesel is his name and love him so much.... we are inseparable."<br /><br />Alexandra Beck: "I am a Pit Bull parent, teacher, and guardian, and veterinary nurse. I wished and waited for a dog exactly like my Luna: sweet, smart, affectionate, loyal and kind - a true best friend. It was worth the wait!"<br /><br />Cindy Tierney: "I am a Pit Bull parent and proud of it, would never get a different breed."<br /><br />Tammy Gravely Townsend: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and advocate for the breed I love the most. I am a mother, a grandmother and Pit Bulls are a part of my family. Can't imagine life without Pit Bulls."<br /><br />Sarah Edewaard Hamilton: "I am a Pit Bull parent w/two spoiled rotten extremely lovable pits that make me so happy when I come home and just want to be loved on and cuddled. They are sweet, extremely smart and very loyal. Oh and the most important, they LOVE children."<br /><br />Maggie Van Etten: "I am a Pit Bull parent of Nina the Elderbull and volunteer for a Pit Bull focused rescue and have never met a Pit Bull I didn't fall in love with, LOL! But then again, that's easy to do!"<br /><br />Brooke Watkins: "I am a Pit Bull parent to a wonderful sweet Pit Bull whom is very intelligent, smart, and loving. She is easy to train and picks stuff up quickly. She loves my boyfriend's kids and shows enormous amounts of Affection by giving tons of kisses as often as we let her. I wouldn't give her up for anything, and I love taking her everywhere with me and showing people how well behaved she is and all of the tricks and commands she knows."<br /><br />Sarah Edewaard Hamilton: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and our dogs' names are Angel (she lives up to that name) & Rebel (he's 5 mo. and so much fun)."<br /><br />Nola-And Tom Petty: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and wouldn't have it any other way & enjoy filling people in of the FACTS instead of all the Pit Pull myths!"<br /><br />Emily Sieger: "I am a Pit Bull parent, whose rescued gamebred APBT was the favorite therapy dog of all the residents at my mom's nursing home because of his loving gentle nature."<br /><br />Carol Brown Hunt: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I have never met a sweeter or more loyal dog....It all depends on how they are raised and taken care of....and loved by their family."<br /><br />Jennifer Swensen: :I am a Pit Bull parent, and I am responsible and proud to be owned by a Pit Bull."<br /><br />Claudia Chain: "I am a Pit Bull parent and I am glad I didn't listen to the people who said that my dog was going to eat me in my sleep."<br /><br />Ana Beck: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I will NEVER apologize for it!! My Pit is a sweet, loving, loyal, and irreplaceable member of my family. I challenge anyone who doesn't like Pit Bulls to come spend an afternoon with mine. Watch my nephew cuddle and take naps with him, watch him play with other dogs, and watch him try to give his chew toys to my dad's Cockatiel and then say they aren't trustworthy pets. I love my Pit and I won't apologize for it!!"<br /><br />Sue Stiely: "I am a Pit Bull parent of 6 girls over the years and will never be without one. I try to educate to the best of my abililty and two of my girls were certified tehrapy dogs. I have had dogs who were quite dog friendly, and some that were not so dog friendly, but I knew their behaviors, stayed aware and have never had one incident involving my dogs or others. I don't ever want to lose the oppurtunity to own the breed and do my best to improve thier reputation."<br /><br />Victory Plumbing: "I'm a Pit Bull grandparent! After losing my own dog Buddy after 16 yrs, my son's dog Bailie has filled the void of the loss. I don't want anything but a Pit Bull for my next dog."<br /><br />Nicholas Overturf: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I have never had such a loving, obedient and beautiful animal in all my life. I miss you Baby Grrr..."<br /><br />Susan Grattan: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and my baby girl Halo is my life. She is always there when I cry, laugh, or just need a hug or high five."<br /><br />Melissa Long Truempy: "I am a Pit Bull parent, and I have a 56 pound lap dog/teddy bear/lover boy/and playmate for my seven year old daughter. He is 1 year old today, and has a 10 1/2 year old Pittie sister-who happens to be the smartest dog I've ever known! Both rescue pups, both unique, both irreplaceable."<br /><br />Chelsey Johnson: "I'm a Pit Bull parent & she is the most loving and loyal dog I could ever ask for."<br /><br />Amy Hendrickson: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and my dogs both have their CGC, one has his TT and he's doing great in both agility and flyball."<br /><br />Perfectpit: "I'm a Pit Bull parent and I am blessed every day with his unconditional love and devotion." <br /><br />Kenzie Smith: "I am a Pit Bull parent and proud of it!!"Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-81575978231543923632011-10-27T11:08:00.011-04:002011-10-28T08:21:08.300-04:00Life and times of a fight bust dog: Sedona update!October 1st marked a year since Sedona (one of the dogs from the OHIO200 case which was the largest single-yard fight bust in history), came into RPB's adoption program, and she just celebrated 6 months in her forever home with her adoptive dad Dave, and new brother and sister Rocky and Lola. We thought it would be nice to share some recent pictures and video footage of Sedona to celebrate her progress, as well as an update from Dave:<br /><br /><blockquote>"<em>Living with Sedona these past six months has been a learning experience for both of us. Yes, she has her baggage like most rescued dogs, but she’s been slow to let it go. Continuing what The Real Pit Bull staff began, to teach her to be a pet, has been very rewarding. Sedona is coming out of her shell a little more every day, and her highest achievement thus far has been her first group trail hike recently, with more than a dozen strangers and their dogs. Sedona really shone and impressed me so much on this two hour hike. Everyone was very supportive, and Sedona made more than a few friends that day.</em> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oek4zBQg4wE/Tql1BDdgynI/AAAAAAAAAJg/HtaGc7-_MkU/s1600/ccAndWestie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oek4zBQg4wE/Tql1BDdgynI/AAAAAAAAAJg/HtaGc7-_MkU/s200/ccAndWestie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668190266991889010" /></a><br /><br /><em>Sedona and housemates Lola and Rocky have adjusted to each other and live in harmony. She really is happy to have the other two dogs around, and is a complete clown around the house. Just like any other Pit Bull she is prone to zoomies, loves her treat ball, enjoys her bones and screams for joy when I come home. Sedona continues to make good progress with her leash manners, and is learning how to interact with strangers. Her CGC is a long term goal that we keep our eyes on, and we will keep working at her socialization issues until the day comes when I can say she’s just like other dogs, but she will always be one Very Special Little Dog</em>." </blockquote><br /><br />Playtime between Sedona and Rocky:<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KD0nf7Ls5VY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5c9K68lb7g/Tql4EedO0yI/AAAAAAAAAJs/6TzSyRHqw0Y/s1600/daveAndcc.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5c9K68lb7g/Tql4EedO0yI/AAAAAAAAAJs/6TzSyRHqw0Y/s200/daveAndcc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668193624312959778" /></a> Sedona came to us with extreme generalized fear and was far from an easy case. Despite her "emotional issues", she continues to show true Pit Bulldog spirit: an attitude of try, try again, as well as 100% reliability around people despite her very real fear. Dave has been an amazing blessing to Sedona and is one of those adoptive homes rescue organizations dream of: complete and utter dedication to his dogs and acceptance of who they are as individuals.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-2752898883144007792011-10-26T09:12:00.007-04:002011-10-26T10:14:57.257-04:00Volunteer Spotlight<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTh2mc-ygao/TqgJGnvJpHI/AAAAAAAAAJI/LMWegFDdi0k/s1600/FlyerPreparing%2Bfor%2Ba%2BFourLegged%2BFriend.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTh2mc-ygao/TqgJGnvJpHI/AAAAAAAAAJI/LMWegFDdi0k/s200/FlyerPreparing%2Bfor%2Ba%2BFourLegged%2BFriend.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667790140396381298" /></a><br />Carolann Puzio is one of our volunteers, and she specializes in lecturing on responsible dog caretaking and dispelling Pit Bull myths. She and her dog Rocky (who has his Canine Good Citizen certificate, has passed a Temperament Test, and is a certified Therapy Dog) spent Pit Bull Awareness Day teaching enthusiastic (potential) dog parents about Preparing for a Four Legged Friend. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUVPhGRjWck/TqgJymFTtkI/AAAAAAAAAJU/VBKsrrlpdCs/s1600/100_2691.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUVPhGRjWck/TqgJymFTtkI/AAAAAAAAAJU/VBKsrrlpdCs/s200/100_2691.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667790895866689090" /></a> Like so many, Carolann found herself an "accidental Pit Bull parent" when she adopted Rocky from a shelter. She fell in love with her adopted dog, then the breed as a whole, and eventually found herself a breed activist when she teamed up with RPB. <br /><br />Thanks Carolann for your dedication and eagerness. You are a truly valued member of the RPB family!<br /><br />Watch for more lectures from Carolann and her sidekick Rocky on various topics in the upcoming months.....Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-53715804085670871402011-10-21T10:10:00.003-04:002011-10-21T10:24:36.655-04:00"Had to Shares"<a href="http://www.hellobully.com">Hello Bully </a>is awesome. We love them and think they rock, especially for the work they did on the OH200 bust (it's been a year since that bust! Wow, how this year flew by......) They also put together this lovely tribute. Take a few minutes to watch this, it's worth it for the before-and-afters. Just have a tissue handy (you've been warned!) <br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D5jBqDWoU8g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />October is Pit Bull Awareness Month and Oct 22nd is <a href="http://www.blessthebullys.com/2011_national_pit_bull_awareness_day.html">National Pit Bull Awareness Day</a>. This fantastic campaign was started by <a href="http://www.blessthebullys.com">Bless the Bullys</a>' founder, Jodi Preis. All month long, Bless the Bullys has been honoring Pit Bull advocates on their blog. It was so cool to wake up this morning to a Facebook post letting me know that I was today's featured honoree. It really is an honor. You can read the blog by clicking <a href="http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/oct-20-bless-the-bullys-honors/">here</a>.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-10898379261987044232011-10-19T12:02:00.003-04:002011-10-20T08:48:42.283-04:00Tellin' it like it is, no apologies.RPB is a teeny tiny org with minimal funding. Ok, I say this not to whine and moan, or hint that we need donations (even though we do, *hint hint*). I say this because when fundraising or promotional opportunities arise, ones that could get us some exposure, perhaps generate some donations, <strong>and</strong> also raise awareness for the breed, that's pretty darn cool!<br /><br />Those opportunities don't come along very often, however, for RPB. <br /><br />RPB is a fairly no-nonsense organization. We advocate hard for responsible breed caretaking, and talk a lot about what it’s REALLY like to live with Pit Bulls; we don’t just lean towards the "cute and cuddly" stuff. We also discuss some of the things that aren’t so fuzzy about the breed that people need to be aware of before they decide to bring one home. We don’t rewrite history (the breed wasn’t originally the “nanny dog” or bred for hunting or herding or farm work). There are “easy” Pit Bull temperament traits, and there are “not so easy” temperament traits. There are things about the breed that make them super easy dogs to call your own, and things that make them rather difficult – we tell it all, like it is. <br /><br />RPB is called The REAL Pit Bull because we don't sugarcoat, make stuff up, or twist facts just because sometimes facts aren’t so pretty. Marketing goes a long way in the nonprofit world - same as in the world of for-profit corporations, make no mistake. Nonprofits need to market to fund their organization’s efforts. That’s part of life. But RPB's concern has always been first and foremost the dogs, the people who interact with them, and bringing the truth to light. The REAL Pit Bull - as in the breed, the American PIT BULL Terrier - isn't a product to sell to the masses, it's not Coca-Cola, or Starbucks, or the latest must-have smart phone. We DON'T want everyone to "buy" our product. We want smart decision-making, educated consumers, and people to realize that hey, maybe these aren't the dogs for their particular homes. So we don’t market to the masses – we market to the truth-seekers, the fact-finders, those who have a true interest in the BREED. <br /><br />We also promote nondiscriminatory dangerous dog laws. We believe we have the right, express that we have the right, and fight for the RIGHT to choose whatever breed we think is the best match for our homes. We each have a RIGHT to become caretakers of the American Pit Bull Terrier if we so choose. A person's right to own a Pit Bull - or ANY dog - should come into question ONLY when such a person has proven themselves to be irresponsible, abusive, or criminal - putting other people and/or animals in harm's way. <br /><br />We fight Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) because it tramples our rights, hurts the innocent (dog and human alike), and assumes guilt before any act has even been committed. We argue against BSL on principal, using logic. BSL penalizes innocent companion animals and their families, costs tax payers money for no good reason, and gives the public a false sense of security. <br /><br />RPB does NOT fight BSL by sugarcoating or hard-selling the Pit Bull. We feel such a methodology does more harm than good. We never use tactics that include falsifying the history or temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier, denying it for what it truly is, or promoting it as "America's dog, the dog for everyone, the dog that can even babysit your kid!" <br /><br />Popularity is this breed’s downfall. Ignorant, uneducated, negligent and outright criminal people who mishandle the Pit Bull are causing its demise. Promoting the breed – even when intentions are good – is one of the worst things you can do to the dogs. As we like to say, “We promote education and responsibility and if you decide the Pit Bull is the right breed for you, then we encourage you to rescue one.” We do NOT promote the breed itself and we do NOT encourage any average person who may be thinking about getting a dog to run out and adopt a Pit Bull. The last thing this breed needs is to become more popular. While some people get all giddy and excited to see a Pit Bull portrayed in some big way in a positive light, we cringe – we know that kind of exposure, not coupled with education, will only lead to more well-intentioned yet potentially harmful situations. <br /><br />I suppose all of this doesn't make our organization or our "product" as "consumer-friendly" or as marketable. But we're ok with that.<br /><br />Recently a documentary was filmed and put into circulation, meant to be used as a tool to combat BSL. We’ve watched as, over the past year, organization after organization has hosted screenings of this movie, benefitted in some way, and helped to spread the anti-BSL message. Pit Bull advocates are raving about it. Earlier this year, before practically anyone had seen this documentary, I contacted the moviemaker and asked if RPB could receive a copy to check out the movie, make sure it was preaching a message we could get behind, and then possibly host a screening. The email we received in reply stunned me. The gist of the reply? “No.”<br /><br />RPB was told we were "not a fit" for this movie because we, as an organization, hold the position that the Pit Bull is NOT the breed for everyone. Um…..what?<br /><br />Let me restate this loud and clear: THE PIT BULL IS NOT THE BREED FOR EVERYONE! No breed is. THE END. We don’t apologize for this position. In the right hands a particular breed could be awesome; in the wrong hands it could be a disaster. This isn't a Pit Bull-only caveat - it's an across-the-board thing that applies to ALL BREEDS. I dare you to find one reputable sanctioned breed club or ethical rescue that says, "EVERYONE SHOULD GO OUT and get 'This Breed' because OMG it is just SO AWESOME, the best thing EVER, the perfect match for every home, and so so so cute, and great, and wonderful, and you're an idiot if you don't have one!"<br /><br />Yet here RPB was being told that no, we couldn’t get an advanced copy of this movie. The moviemaker even went out of their way to tell me that yes, they do allow organizations to view advanced copies to make sure the movie meshes with their individual missions. But nope, sorry, RPB wasn’t gonna get one. Because apparently we don’t pimp out Pit Bulls? The moviemaker was not amenable to even discussing the matter. I was told that if I wanted, I could pay to go so some other organization’s screening, and IF I liked the movie, the moviemaker and I could “revisit” the idea of a benefit screening for RPB at a later date. I was so blown away, baffled, and frankly insulted that I just threw my hands up and said, “Oh well.”<br /><br />Neither I nor anyone else at RPB has seen this movie. We haven’t “revisited” anything with its creator. We’ve sat by quietly as what <em>feels</em> like every other Pit Bull organization in the country has hosted a screening of this film, and RPB – one of the oldest and most outspoken advocates for the Pit Bull, an anti-BSL 501(c)3 nonprofit charity – was told we weren’t allowed to see a copy because the moviemaker wasn’t “comfortable” sending us one due to “conflicting viewpoints”. <br /><br />Over the past year, from so-called Pit Bull organizations, we’ve seen less and less breed-focused material, and more non-specific material aimed at pushing Pit Bulls or dogs labeled “Pit Bulls” out of shelter doors with minimal if any breed-specific education given to the adoptive homes, and organizations working at convincing people to adopt Pit Bulls when those individuals haven’t done any breed research. Talking about breed traits has become taboo. Suggesting that Pit Bulls or “pit bull type dogs” are not the dogs for everyone apparently gets you blackballed from certain segments of the Pit Bull advocacy community. Fighting BSL has become all about denying breed idiosyncrasies, promoting and getting MORE Pit Bulls into the spotlight (in other words, INCREASING their popularity), insisting you can’t ever assume breed (and hence assume breed behavioral traits) just by looking at a dog, and calling every dog or breed remotely resembling a Pit Bull a “pit bull type dog” (including breeds with completely different histories and temperaments). <br /><br />The popular tactic of "fighting" BSL and "helping" Pit Bulls has become a game of dodge ball, where the goal is to avoid addressing REAL issues and instead use semantics and deny, avoid, and twist truths. <br /><br />We don't play that game.<br /><br />RPB will keep chugging along and doing what we do. (We’ve been doing this work since 1997. I’ve personally been living with, loving, and devoted entirely to this breed since 1994.) We will keep counseling guardians with Pit Bulls who got in over their heads when a rescue or shelter placed a dog into a home without any breed education. We’ll preach responsible guardianship until we are blue in the face. Breed traits WILL be talked about. Historical fact will be promoted and fallacy will be shot down. We’ll fight BSL and offer alternatives, show up at town hall meetings, distribute information and work to save homeless Pit Bulls. <br /><br />What we won’t ever do is turn our back on our breed, the American PIT BULL Terrier – no matter how difficult the struggle becomes, no matter how difficult it is to face facts and even if it means we don’t always get to hang with the “cool kids” or miss out on some fundraising opportunities. <br /><br />And for all you truth-seekers, fact-fiends, the curious, the confused, and even the on-the-fencers – we’re here, for you, to help and guide and educate. And we’ll always be real with you.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-52423153293799775542011-08-23T12:16:00.013-04:002011-08-24T08:24:26.505-04:00“Because Your Dog Is Worth It Too Day”L’Oréal hosted the 8th Annual “Because Your Dog Is Worth It Too Day” with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. And The Real Pit Bull was there in full effect. We had our booth set up, ready to inform and educate people on what this wonderful breed is all about. I figured I would see a few Pit Bulls here and there but to my surprise there were more than I expected.
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<br />There were plenty of other breeds there as well, as you'll see in the gallery below. The event had lots of food (for dogs and people), refreshments and plenty of activities for everyone. Here are some photos from the event for your enjoyment
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2D42A_KZ8mg/TlTtY0WFnjI/AAAAAAAAAIw/l1_55q_GUFE/s1600/photo%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2D42A_KZ8mg/TlTtY0WFnjI/AAAAAAAAAIw/l1_55q_GUFE/s200/photo%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644397243626004018" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ1qm8rTPrE/TlTtUxvjc_I/AAAAAAAAAIo/KV8wTUAn9rU/s1600/photo%2B%252815%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ1qm8rTPrE/TlTtUxvjc_I/AAAAAAAAAIo/KV8wTUAn9rU/s200/photo%2B%252815%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644397174208033778" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxKXlkywVws/TlTtNRFfNkI/AAAAAAAAAIg/BrcUYMBbgnA/s1600/photo%2B%252812%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxKXlkywVws/TlTtNRFfNkI/AAAAAAAAAIg/BrcUYMBbgnA/s200/photo%2B%252812%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644397045182576194" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PGdPk5Vf70/TlTtCfqXgdI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/E761vvGF91Q/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PGdPk5Vf70/TlTtCfqXgdI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/E761vvGF91Q/s200/IMG_1163.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644396860116795858" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQkyuGvo0Vg/TlTs_MfzNiI/AAAAAAAAAII/y13fJ6O0HU4/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQkyuGvo0Vg/TlTs_MfzNiI/AAAAAAAAAII/y13fJ6O0HU4/s200/IMG_1164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644396803432592930" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHDcRvTTS3w/TlTs5s812AI/AAAAAAAAAIA/sbJtj_Enu6c/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHDcRvTTS3w/TlTs5s812AI/AAAAAAAAAIA/sbJtj_Enu6c/s200/IMG_1172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644396709065119746" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TS0lM44PaYA/TlTs1EyW8NI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Zg84kaGznS0/s1600/IMG_1177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TS0lM44PaYA/TlTs1EyW8NI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Zg84kaGznS0/s200/IMG_1177.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644396629564256466" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1O-h9uE9yjY/TlTtHu4ZhzI/AAAAAAAAAIY/OMHrxHVHEDE/s1600/photo%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1O-h9uE9yjY/TlTtHu4ZhzI/AAAAAAAAAIY/OMHrxHVHEDE/s200/photo%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644396950101526322" /></a>Kevin Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/103368456059991935131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-26974260118055355762011-08-12T11:02:00.011-04:002011-08-12T11:14:14.955-04:00Bust dogs just wanna have fun!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFzi3ZekNT8/TkVCJW_3Y3I/AAAAAAAAAHw/mowdrWZhK54/s1600/043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFzi3ZekNT8/TkVCJW_3Y3I/AAAAAAAAAHw/mowdrWZhK54/s200/043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639986836911121266" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tr5d7KlnV0E/TkVCEsH1s-I/AAAAAAAAAHo/ezYM2kNscQg/s1600/038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tr5d7KlnV0E/TkVCEsH1s-I/AAAAAAAAAHo/ezYM2kNscQg/s200/038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639986756682363874" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3T5OmzuPhI4/TkVB_rVgn-I/AAAAAAAAAHg/yK7NnqU_a0w/s1600/037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3T5OmzuPhI4/TkVB_rVgn-I/AAAAAAAAAHg/yK7NnqU_a0w/s200/037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639986670571921378" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Is6X01D9O9Y/TkVB6UCrTwI/AAAAAAAAAHY/huyzd9TAeiw/s1600/016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Is6X01D9O9Y/TkVB6UCrTwI/AAAAAAAAAHY/huyzd9TAeiw/s200/016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639986578419568386" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFioM7S8tCM/TkVBxU1UnuI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/YwCqolsZxQM/s1600/015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFioM7S8tCM/TkVBxU1UnuI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/YwCqolsZxQM/s200/015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639986424013168354" /></a>
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<br />Sedona from the OH200 bust last year wasn't 100% convinced that the agility equipment was supposed to be a good time, but she was willing to try it out anyway.
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<br />Sedona and her dad recently hung out at North Jersey's Dog Dome for some socialization and exercise. Big strides for this little girl who wouldn't even leave her crate the first few days after she was placed in foster care with RPB. Sedona found her forever home back in April and is doing wonderfully.
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<br />Fight bust dogs really DO just want to have a good time and a chance to be normal dogs. All they need is some love and a nurturing environment to teach them that they can!
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<br />Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-34431513869578604712011-08-12T10:51:00.004-04:002011-08-12T10:57:04.229-04:00Your Dog Is Worth It Too! Event 8/20<a href="http://indianapolis-indiana.funcityfinder.com/files/2010/04/race-for-the-cure-300.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://indianapolis-indiana.funcityfinder.com/files/2010/04/race-for-the-cure-300.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />The Real Pit Bull, Inc will host our Pit Bull Education booth at this year's Loreal <a href="http://www.yourdogisworthittoo.com/">Because Your Dog Is Worth It Too</a> event, to be held at the Loreal facility in Cranbury, NJ on August 20th.
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<br />This is the first year we'll be attending and we're super stoked! We've heard great things about this day, the proceeds of which benefit the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure of Central and South Jersey.
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<br />RPB staff, volunteers and canine alumni will be in attendance. Please join us!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-16884753161371340692011-04-04T22:56:00.021-04:002011-04-06T11:25:31.286-04:00We love our Pit Bulls in so many ways......some would call us "crazy", but at RPB we prefer the term "passionate". We wanted to share some pix we received recently showing the love Pit Bull guardians have for these amazing dogs - what better way than through tattoos. Here are some recent submissions we've received. It never ceases to amaze us how dedicated people are to their Pit Bulldogs. Has to tell ya something - these are so much more than "just dogs": they are our life, our family, our best friends. <br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><b>Sharah Gomez shared her Jersey and Ruben tattoo. </b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dhyqi8AHsE/TZvU8Te5v-I/AAAAAAAAAGI/8NAb6cOzmx4/s1600/pittattoo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dhyqi8AHsE/TZvU8Te5v-I/AAAAAAAAAGI/8NAb6cOzmx4/s320/pittattoo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592297494797729762" /></a><br /><br /><b>Randi was so inspired by Vick Dog Jonny Justice that she permanently demonstrated her admiration by getting this lovely tattoo:</b> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DdGT6RHWGhA/TZvVIVW8ClI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/ngCOyCDB1cA/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DdGT6RHWGhA/TZvVIVW8ClI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/ngCOyCDB1cA/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592297701459626578" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Sarge's Kim Wolf tattooed her beloved Elberbull on her foot: </b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YIxb01bN8vo/TZvVRdp_AII/AAAAAAAAAGY/-9X8RT7rdMY/s1600/IMG_4105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YIxb01bN8vo/TZvVRdp_AII/AAAAAAAAAGY/-9X8RT7rdMY/s320/IMG_4105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592297858305818754" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Bev Waltons' gorgeous Pit Bull:</b> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIUMUk-jRDo/TZqIqrk129I/AAAAAAAAAFo/V26pdZ90wNk/s1600/photo22.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIUMUk-jRDo/TZqIqrk129I/AAAAAAAAAFo/V26pdZ90wNk/s320/photo22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591932154167024594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><b>Jenna McFall's Jack the Ripper, RIP: </b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjR05dbGXKg/TZvWlh8eA-I/AAAAAAAAAGo/oi4Gv1lQuZM/s1600/Rippertat.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjR05dbGXKg/TZvWlh8eA-I/AAAAAAAAAGo/oi4Gv1lQuZM/s320/Rippertat.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592299302566101986" /></a><br /><br /><B>And I figured I'd share my own tattoo of Krash, the inspiration behind RPB, and my AmStaff Luca: </B> <br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDSB2mAN5GA/TZvSeZweScI/AAAAAAAAAGA/f8SpcTXck38/s1600/IMG00307-20110323-2147%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDSB2mAN5GA/TZvSeZweScI/AAAAAAAAAGA/f8SpcTXck38/s320/IMG00307-20110323-2147%2B%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592294782062709186" /></a>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-38980493284558438912011-03-18T15:32:00.004-04:002011-08-12T11:19:21.454-04:00Yo!The RPB t-shirts will be ordered on March 31st, and will go out as soon as we get them (turnaround time is about 2 weeks). If you haven't already ordered one (or more!) of these shirts, you can let us know what you need via Paypal.com (support@realpitbull.com is the email). The shirts are $15/ea. and a great way to make a statement regarding your unwillingness to tolerate discrimination.
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<br /><blockquote>"Judge all the same by what's on the inside and not by a name."</blockquote>
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<br /><strong>----></strong>We're havin' a CGC party! Your Pit Bull can test for a $20 fee (which benefits RPB, of course), or you can just come hang for free. Interested? Email: info@realpitbull.comMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-85372365531526286132011-03-02T09:45:00.002-05:002011-03-02T09:48:00.653-05:00Pre-Order Your RPB T-Shirts Today!Hi Friends!<br /><br />Our t-shirt slogan contest was a success! For more about the t-shirt and the contest, please click here: <br /><br /><a href="http://therealpitbullblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-our-tee-shirt-slogan-contest.html">http://therealpitbullblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-our-tee-shirt-slogan-contest.html</a> <br /><br />We are now getting ready to place an order for t-shirts. Shirts will be black with light blue text on the back, reading: <br /><br /><em>"Judge all the same by what's on the inside and not by a name."</em><br /><br />The RPB logo (which is the likeness of Krash, one amazing Pit Bull and the "dog behind RPB"), will be featured on the front of the shirt, in light blue. <br /><br />We were all set to place an order, but unexpected vet bills ate up our t-shirt fund in February. (This is rescue work! Always expect the unexpected!) Now we are accepting "pre orders", which means you pay now and your shirt will be shipped to you as soon as they are printed up (target: end of March). <br /> <br />Shirts are $15.00 and you can pay through our Paypal.com account using the email: support@realpitbull.com<br /> <br />Please be sure to indicate you are ordering a shirt as well as the sizes and quantity you would like. Pre-ordering t-shirts is a great way to support RPB, help us pay recent vet bills for our OH200 bust dog, Sedona (who is doing fine and is healthy now!), and show your love for Pit Bulls by way of a great shirt that sports a great message.<br /><br />Any questions? Info@realpitbull.comMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-43963383789861810022011-01-28T20:31:00.007-05:002011-01-28T21:16:58.176-05:00Playtime!Supervised, calm play between Luca the senior AmStaff and Sedona who is a bust dog. Luca is a little unsure of Sedona's energetic play style but he wants to engage and she is respecting his boundaries after he gives a little "that's rude" growl early in the vid. Notice that Luca "shakes off" at one point. That is an indicator of mild stress (not all stress is bad, remember) but since his overall demeanor is relaxed with a softly wagging tail and overall inquisitive attitude, and Sedona is not overwhelming him, I allow the play to continue. <br /><br />Shortly after the video ends, I break the dogs and let them take a time-out. Even though this session went beautifully and both dogs were appropriate, I chose to interrupt them after a short while to "end on a good note". This is opposed to allowing them to continue on until someone gets tired and cranky, and hurt feelings ensue. <br /><br />(Ignore my "omg" in the background - I was responding to someone I was talking to on the phone while taking this video ;-) )<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="440" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Do27GbCt69U" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383474275680845547.post-53264122844607578502011-01-25T09:48:00.003-05:002011-01-25T09:53:50.743-05:00Shout out to Paws4Change.com!Thanks so much for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to your <a href="http://www.paws4change.com/pioneers.html">Pioneers</a> page. I'm flattered. <br /><br />Paws 4 Change is a wonderful website dedicated to creative education on important animal welfare issues. They are very pro-Pit Bull and have been super supportive of RPB (they created our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dtLe3tJl0E">public service announcement</a> and got it on the air for us). <br /><br />Please support this website by visiting and sharing with your friends and family. <br /><br />~MaryMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488725645986806840noreply@blogger.com0